Kankakee softball coach Deb Johnston one day, probably soon, will be nostalgic about her record player.

The numbers Kylie Johnson did on opponents during her high school career already have their place in history.

The senior center fielder sits atop the state record book for career batting average (.646) and career hits (259). She's second in runs scored (223) and third in stolen bases (192). Oh, and she owns single-season state records for batting average (.735) and hits (111).

The 79 runs she scored in 2012? Second-best for a season. Her 79 stolen bases in 80 attempts are fourth.

The Illinois-bound Johnson also set 11 single-season school records in 2012, and six career marks. Not to mention she led Kankakee to its first regional softball title and helped establish seven team records.

For her accomplishments, Johnson is the Chicago Tribune Preps Plus Softball Player of the Year.

"I came into my senior year really comfortable and ready to play my game," Johnson said. "I wasn't expecting to put up this kind of season. I kind of want more now. It's exciting now to go to the next level."

She played on another level this season, which she began with 14 consecutive hits. She had 25 games with three or more hits and in 13 games stole at least three bases.

Still, Johnston's fondest memory of her leadoff hitter doesn't involve a play or a hit or a stolen base. Missing all but seven games of her sophomore season after surgery on her right shoulder, Johnson attended every practice and every game, for which she dressed in full uniform, complete with eye black, bat and glove.

"Kylie got our most dedicated award for her sophomore year," Johnston said. "I've never seen anything like that before. It showed how special she was and how much she cared. That's what I'll always remember and the story I will tell."

"I was really excited to finally play, and be a leader on the field," Johnson said. "That was my breakout year."

Her speed — 2.4 seconds to first base; 2.5 from first to second — wreaked havoc on opponents. She hit five inside-the-park home runs, had 92 singles, struck out just twice and didn't make an error in the outfield for the 25-13 Kays this season.

Johnson, the salutatorian of her class, said competition fuels her in all aspects of life.

"My grades come from my competitiveness," she said. "I always work hard in the classroom. I was trying to get valedictorian. I had a great four years at Kankakee. The seniors wanted to be that team that won regionals for the first time."